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A spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visist “crossed all red lines”.
A spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visit “crossed all red lines”.
What is happening?
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the highly sensitive al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, openly leading Jewish prayers there.
The visit defied a long-standing agreement that restricts non-Muslim worship at the site.
A flashpoint known by two names
The site is revered by Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and by Jews as the Temple Mount.
While Jews are permitted to visit, religious law and political agreements bar them from praying there.
Israel insists policy remains unchanged
In response to the backlash, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that there has been “no change” to the established status quo.
But critics argue that Ben-Gvir’s actions undermine the very agreement Israel claims to uphold.
Jordan condemns the move as provocative
Jordan, which holds custodianship of the site under international agreements, called Ben-Gvir’s visit “an unacceptable provocation.”
The kingdom has long warned against any perceived encroachments that could spark wider unrest.
Palestinian leaders react with fury
A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Ben-Gvir’s visit “crossed all red lines.”
Hamas described it as a further escalation of aggression against the Palestinian people, warning it would fuel regional tensions.
Sacred ground for both faiths
The compound is the third holiest site in Islam and the holiest site in Judaism.
Muslims believe it’s where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven, while Jews revere it as the location of the First and Second Biblical Temples.
A history of conflict since 1967
Israel captured East Jerusalem, including the al-Aqsa site, from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war.
Though Israel controls security and access, Jordan retained its custodial role—an arrangement central to maintaining regional peace.
Accusations of eroding the status quo
Palestinians claim Israeli authorities have increasingly allowed Jewish prayer at the site, eroding the decades-old understanding.
The Waqf, which manages the site, reported that over 1,200 Jews entered the compound the same morning as Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir’s boldest visit yet
While Ben-Gvir has visited the site before, this marks the first time he openly led Jewish prayers there, according to Israeli media.
Flanked by police, he used the occasion to address recent Hamas videos and renew his hardline positions.
Controversial minister faces global sanctions
Ben-Gvir, a known ultra-nationalist, has previously called for the full occupation of Gaza and the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians—language human rights experts say amounts to forced displacement.
He is currently under sanctions from UK, Australia, Norway, Canada and New Zealan for inciting violence in the West Bank.
